((With thanks to the player of Salvador Delahada))

16 March 2009

Tick ....Tick....Tick....The seconds ticking off made Diana aware of more than the passage of time. It made her aware of what was to come, what was to be. What should have been a simple blessing ceremony for two children on one of the most important days of her mothers' native land, was turning into a meeting of the War Council. The women in the family did things their own way. When one of their sisters was in trouble or needed support, it was the War Council that answered that call. It was a mother's love that had raised them all to believe they had the strength within them to do what must be done. It was their mothers' strength that showed them the way.

Duality, it's what the elders called it. While Kirin was actually the mother of the older group of offspring, they gave the same reverence and deference to Colleen. Few outside the family fully understood why there was Rhiannon, thirtyish, with a husband and three children and a Rhi, aged fifteen. Rhydin was funny like that, twists of time and fate brought beauty and insanity into the lives of many.

Tick...tick...tick ....more time and midnight struck. It was Mairead's birthday; she was three years old and smart as a whip. Limele, Rachael's daughter, would turn five when fall came. Where Maggie was outgoing, Limele was reserved, shy. They reflected the personalities of their mothers in their pre-school years. In a few hours, a small family party would take place. When it was over ....decisions would be made.

While the women in Rhydin planned and made ready, Kirin made her own plans in a world far away. She tended her children, the youngest of the brood, three weeks old, their lives were endangered.

Diana had a few ideas of her own. She went to the one person she knew the understood the spirit world and wouldn't pass judgment; she went to Sal. She had faith in Dr. Valkonan's gifts as a healer, but this went beyond the physical realm and Diana had no time to spare. It was one day and they needed to get and out in as fast as they could, much like they had in Orlando. Diana knew that had been hard on the man sitting across from her. It had been hard on all of them; they all lost something or someone in that war. To call it a battle might have been politically correct, but to say it was less than a war was an insult to those that were there.

Sal wasn't one to give false hope. He was like his mother it that respect, to the point. After the pleasantries and asking if she could pick his brain, they began.

"What's on your mind?" Sal asked

Diana looked to Sal and lowered her voice, "A soul stealer....after two infants. Some sort of shadow beast that can take a physical form or be a parasite on a human host."

Tilting his head closer to the sound of that hushed information, his brows knitted and a frown stole his mouth. "Nn." Absorbing that. First his eyes ticked back aside to regard Diana, then a slow turn of his head to once again look at her more directly. "What else?"

"Any idea on how to distract it, to tempt it away while the kids are removed to safety' It feeds on anger, pain....anything negative."

"Shadow's usually weak to light. Like black to white. Night to day. Shine a light on it and make sure there's nothing casting a shadow for it to crawl into. Unless the shadow's white..." He bared his teeth a little with a momentary distant glaze in his eyes, at that thought.

The answer to how to deal with a white shadow was pretty much to give up hope and abandon faith. Diana went on to explain to Sal how the beast had a burning desire to capture something pure and innocent. And when it was revealed that the infants in question were her brother and sister, the importance to the family had become clear.

Scratching his jaw, Sal considered things further. "If it's one going after two, it's either gotta split itself or decide on one. Could maybe bait it and trap it. Not sure how, though, unless I knew what kind of spirit it was. Some things take iron, some things take silver. Crystal or gold. Mirrors. Could be anything."

"Good point. It can't take both. According to Kirin, it wants to something innocent. A newborn is the easiest prey. " She narrowed her eyes, it made her angry. "Something pure ..." Her brows shot up. "Sal, you're a genius!" In that moment Diana realized that Sal had opened the door into her mind that she'd been hoping for!

"Fear I know. Don't know what?d be Anger and Pain. So many of the lesser ones. I mean, if it's fae." Brows knit again, considering further. "Could be something demonic. Nn. In which case you'd need something Godly. Holy water. Sanctified ground. That sort of thing." Sal had a startled expression on his face at her outburst.

"Magic works there in a different way from Rhydin. Illusion could work, but so could tempting it with something that oozes innocence and purity. We have to get the kids out of harm's way before we do this."

"Oh. Right." Like that's just what he said, though by his expression he couldn't recall actually saying as much. "Well yeah. You don't want them getting caught in the trap."

One nexus gate in and out of the other world was a problem, but the best case scenario was if the thing followed the sisters back to their family home. There was castle ruin on the estate. It was place where ceremonies where held; it was where Colleen had said her final goodbyes to Kydwyn after she died in Orlando. It was holy ground in the home of beasts known to possess the purest of healing magic.

As Sal had so colorfully put it, "That'd....Jesus. That might just fucking vaporize the thing."

"Hence why you're a genius. You reminded me that the obvious solution is often the best."

"Mm. Holy ground." He nodded his understanding, approving.

After they parted company, Diana went back to Navarra to set forth her ideas for the night to follow. Some would remain behind, some would travel, but all would be ready.

((My thanks to Ariana's player for her input))

Once she stopped shaking with laughter, Colleen turned to Ariana and said, "If it was a simple as a Staff Meetin', Ariana, we'd have already gathered the extended family, men and women, and turned this thing into mush." She got a far away look in her eyes. "It steals bodies as well as souls." She knew Ariana was not going to like hearing that, but it had to be said.

"Gods above and below," Ariana murmured with a deep frown. Then anger lit her emerald green eyes. "It won't be stealing any of my family!" she declared firmly. "Not if I have anything to say about it....and I do!

"Actually, we're going to have a lot of tired and hungry people when this is done. I was hoping you'd take over the kitchen. Rhi and Chael can be of help there. Dee Dee's going to be in charge of getting Mir settled." Collie chuckled a bit. "That should keep her as well as Draven busy."

"Mmhmm, that it will. Leave the one with the baker's dozen to run herd over the wee ones in the kitchen." Ariana grinned as she went over the potential menu, "A good hearty venison stew, bread for dipping, ratatouille, and some of your brownies for dessert should do the trick."

"Of course. Always best to have the most qualified person for any job needing to be done!" Collie flashed a grin at her dear friend.

Diana spoke her peace next. She explained what Sal had said about trapping this entity. Thanks to a few illusions that appeared, part of the thing's essence was trapped. It was already brought through the nexus and being held in a soul crystal. Were they really illusions" Were they echoes of what would be? What could be? The consensus was that protecting the children came first. Destruction of the crystal came later.

From the back of the room, a new and quiet voice joined the group, "And what will you have me do, Mother?"

Heads turned to find the eldest of the sisters, Christina, standing just inside the doorway. There were whispers in the group. Save for the pale blue eyes, the woman was the image of Colleen MacLeod in her human visage. Some hadn't seen that face since she'd moved to Eldicor to be governess to Princess Erwyn. When Teleperien took her daughter to her homeland, Chrisy made her own way in the world. She often wondered what had become of Jean de La Fontaine, the first mate of the Lady Venture. Time had a way of bringing answers, especially on Rhydin, but now was not the time for that one.

Colleen rose and went to hug her daughter. She murmured, "You already know."

A simple nod was the only response to indicate that Chrisy had heard. It had been some time since she'd embraced her mother; this one seemed to last forever. A few more small details were discussed about preparing the grove and which horses would be needed. The choosing of them would be Chrisy's job. The Ruby One would bind them, that was why she had arrived.

The others were boarding the ferry to head back to the mainland.

"Don't be long behind us now, Rhiannon," Colleen murmured as she hugged her daughter.

"I'm going to put the children to bed and I'll be on my way soon enough, Mother," Rhi's voice was just above a whisper.

Ehz and Anya were invited to remain on Harker's Island for the night at least. If for some reason, she didn't get home, Rhiannon Harker knew morale support would be needed for her family.

She listened to the soft sounds of night. The ocean waters made a gentle swishing sound as they rushed against the shore. Night birds had begun their serenades and the sweet clear tones of the windchimes hanging near the stable filled the air. They reminded Rhiannon of her own childhood. Her eyes closed as memories washed over her like the waves in the nearby surf. She was brought from her reverie by the feel of a small hand tugging on her own. When she looked down it was into the trusting and innocent face of her eldest child.

"Mama, we go read now?" Maggie's little grin was infectious and her mother couldn't help but return it.

"Sure, sweet pea." Rhi tried to keep the anxiety from showing on her face as she lead her daughter back into the house and up to the nursery.

First order of business was tucking in Catie and Rick. While her mother was occupied with singing lullabies to her younger siblings, Mairead just about bounced off to her room in search of her favorite book.

Book and all, Maggie climbed up into her mother's lap. The rocking chair, a fixture in the nursery, was dubbed the reading place by the little girl. Each time they sat together, Rhi was reminded of her mother taking time each night to read to her and her siblings.

"Look, Mama! Hop it, Pop it!" Maggie squealed as she turned the page.

"It's 'Hop on Pop,' Maggiebug."

"Weell, my mum always read it to me as Hoppin Pop, Rhi, so, that's how I read it to Maggiebug," Dennis commented with a sheepish grin.

Rhi looked up at the sound of her husband's voice in the doorway, gave him a little smile and a shake of her head before kissing the top of their daughter's head. She went on with the story. Maggie then took her turn to read the book. At three, she was learning to recognize letters and simple words. When the story was over, Dennis took Maggie to get her ready for bed while Rhi tucked the twins in again and kissed them one more time.

Before Rhi entered Maggie's room, she overheard a little chat.

"I don't 'stand it, Da," the child said as she scrunched up her face, "why's Mama gotta go 'way?"

"Because, Maggiebug, she has keep children safe," Dennis had been doing his best to explain when a hand settled on his shoulder.

Years ago, Rhiannon's father had laid a charge on her to protect children or he had called some of them, his wee ones. Explaining to a three year old why her mother had to put the safety and well being of other children before her at times was not easy. Rhi handled it as best she could. When it was explained that they weren't just any babies but her Granny Kirin's, Maggie seemed to look at it in a whole different light. She made her mother promise that she'd get to meet the twins and that as soon as she got home there would be a story.

And then came the hard part, saying her farewells to her husband. Hand in hand they walked the beach. Dolphins played about a mile off shore and the couple laughed as they watched several of them leaping up out of the water and spin about in their games. People that knew each other as well as Dennis and Rhiannon needed few words to say what was between them. Touches spoke volumes, so did the looks on their faces. A myriad of emotions had been expressed within a few minutes; love, worry, and faith were among them. The only words spoken on either side were, Gr"im th".

It was a matter of moments between the time Rhi was standing on the shores of Harker's Island and her arrival in front of the manor house at Navarra. The women had already gathered and were heading for the castle ruins.

17 Mar 2009

The three of us, Rhiannon, Nicole, and I arrived at the Crosswinds Tavern to wait on the others. Both of our mothers and Kirin's knight were to meet us.

Nikki, who has trained with blades, but is the youngest of those of us involved had one job and one job only. Get our baby sister, Lark, through the portal and out of harm's way as fast as she could. Even if she had to divert to a location we hadn't previously agreed on, the baby's safety was the priority.

My elder sister, Rhiannon, is the best trained of us when it comes to both blades and magic. Braven Goldflame was her teacher when she was seven. He had hopes of making her into a battlemage. The plan was for her to remain to cover the rear after Nicole and I left with the babies. Rhi doesn't play when it comes to keeping the family safe. With her in its path, the odds were slim of it getting past her and through to us, especially once it was in that portal. In the Misfit Society, she took the name Olympus for a reason. She has the power to call those residing in Mount Olympus to her aid.

Nikki has the ability to call for similar help, but her own talents lean toward the sea and the animals within it. Rhiannon has had years to hone and refine her skills and gifts. That ability has saved her more than once.

Sal's advice was spot on, unless it was able to divide itself, the soul thief could only come for one child at a time. We had to use that to our advantage and I kept that in mind when it was time to move. We didn't have to wait long. No one was unarmed. The babies were turned over to Nicole and me. Kirin told Nikki to go and not look back. Looking back can be what costs people time that could be better used in moving onward. This thing feeds on fear. Looking back to see it might have given it a momentary advantage. That was something none of us could afford to give it.

They arrived safely, though, but I felt apprehension and anger in Kirin. She hid the latter fairly well, but my sisters and I knew. A little band of musicians seemed to appear from no where. They were lead by a woman that acted like her commode was made of gold. Her nose was held up so high that it was a wonder no one complained of having to look up it when she deigned to speak to them.

When the youngest of my brothers was placed in my arms, I could clearly see what Kirin did in her knight. This was a good man of quiet strength and determination. This was a father that would have stood between his children and anyone or anything to keep them from harm. Some part of me envied those babies when the Major asked me to keep Raymond safe. There was something brewing in that portal, so we escaped before it emerged into the tavern. I half expected it to redirect and follow me, but it didn't. I think it was aware that death or permanent imprisonment was waiting, either way its ending would come. It would be some time before Nicole and I saw the others return. I think my mothers and sister were disappointed that the soul thief took on the form of a recently dead boy and failed to face them. Kirin wanted it destroyed and I can't say that I blame her one bit.

Introspective

This is surreal. I feel as though I am locked in someone else's head. They have given me pen and paper to help me record what all I remember. At this point, it isn't much. In the dreaming world, I seem to know so much more, but when I wake, things are gone. Just a glimmer in the mists and shadows.

I now know the children's names, but why is it that I know that red stallion better than any of the people" They tell me he has been mine forever. What exactly does forever mean to someone like me"

The little girl that sits on my bed and tells me stories, the stories are familiar. She says I told her the stories and that she is my daughter's child. She says that I call her mo beag mairead. I know those words, they are from my past. They are from one of the languages I learned as girl. I was called that once. It means, my little pearl.

Some men came. One I trusted without question, he gave me this feeling of warmth, safety, and I don't know what the right word is. I felt as though I had been wrapped in soft blanket and held like a frightened child in a doting parent's arms and, yet, there was more. There is a deep bond of love there, a truly unselfish bond. There is great beauty in it. When he held me I felt safe and loved, it's what I needed and he knew. I think he always will.

The two others that came, I felt unsure of them. They told me we are family, but I could not really feel love in their presence. It may have been an undertone, but it was overwhelmed by the heat and desire they both projected. I felt a bit frightened by it, but did not allow them to see. If I loved either or both them before, I cannot find it now. It troubles me and, yet, I somehow feel as if a weight was lifted. Maybe it was tie that was meant to be broken. Maybe, one day, I'll look back and remember without regret. In the meantime, I have a family to raise, a farm to run, and new memories to make.